Letter Campaign to Support our Scope of Practice Modernization Act

Dear Minnesota Acupuncturists,

This moment is the result of over six years of collaborative work between the Minnesota Acupuncture Association, our lobbyist, legislators, and countless advocates who care deeply about our profession. We are closer than we have ever been, and we are hopeful we will cross the finish line before this legislative session closes in early May, but now we need your help in this final step.

HF1270/SF1746

This bill modernizes the acupuncture practice statute, which has remained largely unchanged for nearly three decades. It cleans up outdated and offensive language, clearly defines our clinical scope of practice, and renames our profession to Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, a long overdue and accurate reflection of what we do.

Why this bill matters:

Updated Language, Updated Profession

The bill removes outdated terminology and replaces it with language that reflects modern education, training, and clinical practice. This reduces regulatory confusion and improves clarity for both providers and the state medical board.

Clearer Clinical Standards

The legislation adds detailed language around Evaluation & Management and defines the modalities practiced by today's acupuncturists with greater precision, supporting consistency, safety, and accountability.

Years of Collaborative Work

This proposal grew out of sustained cooperation between acupuncture advocates, healthcare stakeholders, legislators, and our lobbyist. It is balanced, clearly written, and aligned with broader healthcare system standards.

Better Access and Integration 

Clear statutory definitions support smoother integration within healthcare systems and improve communication across disciplines, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and the patients we serve.

What we may need from you:

When the moment comes, we may reach out with very little notice and ask you to send a letter to your legislator. It will be simple, it will be quick, and it will matter. We want you to be ready.

To make it as easy as possible, we have included the letter template below so you have it on hand. When we reach out, all you will need to do is fill in your legislator's name and your own information at the bottom. It takes less than five minutes.

Finding your legislators:

You can find who your State Representative and State Senator are, and their email address at this link: https://gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/

Letter Template

Dear [Senator/Representative Last Name],

I am writing to you as a constituent and as a member of the Minnesota Acupuncture Association (MAA), respectfully requesting your support for HF1270/SF1746, Licensing for Practice of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Modified.

This bill amends the existing statute for acupuncture, which has remained largely unchanged for nearly three decades. It cleans up outdated language and clearly defines clinical care within the scope of practice of Licensed Acupuncturists. By refining terminology and removing ambiguity, the legislation ensures a shared, accurate understanding of safe, appropriate practice between providers and regulators.

This proposal is the result of over six years of dedicated work by many advocates, our professional association, and ongoing communication with the state medical board, ensuring the bill is balanced, clearly written, and aligned with broader healthcare system standards.

Key reasons to support this legislation include:

• Clearer statutory language: The bill updates and refines existing language to better reflect modern education, training, and clinical practice, reducing confusion and improving regulatory clarity. The bill also removes outdated and potentially offensive language, renaming the profession to "Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine."

• Defined clinical standards: It provides more precise descriptions of clinical care and procedures, supporting consistency, safety, and accountability in practice. The bill adds detailed language around Evaluation & Management and defines modalities offered under the scope of modern practitioners with increased clarity and detail.

• Collaborative development: The legislation reflects years of input and cooperation with healthcare stakeholders, strengthening its credibility and practicality.

• Access and public safety: Clear statutory definitions support better integration within healthcare systems and improve communication across disciplines. By further defining the modalities of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, the bill will ensure that those licensed and qualified to practice are within scope.

I respectfully ask that you support HF1270/SF1746 during this legislative session. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further or provide additional information at your convenience.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to improving healthcare access in our state.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name and Credentials]